Finance Manager

The Opportunity:

For this Finance Manager position, you will provide a high quality financial support service to stakeholders and other activities of the Trust and its subsidiary. Being the main point of contact for all financial and procurement related activity.

You will work with stakeholders to raise awareness and further develop their knowledge of financial regulations and processes incl. use of budget management & financial software. This role will also support the management of Central Services finance tasks.

Some of the key responsibilities for this successful person would be but no limited to:

• Provide financial advice and financial system support specific to education funding conditions and wider accounting regulations


• Complete monthly reconciliation of student related grant income, querying any anomalies directly with Local Authorities, Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), third parties


• Management of Finance Officers incl. carrying out resource planning and managing recruitment, appraisal and professional development


• Monitor budgets all year round, advising the Senior Finance Manager, Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and stakeholders where revisions or changes are needed


• Prepare and produce regular monthly monitoring reports to stakeholders and present termly business reports


• Support the Senior Finance Manager and CFO to provide training to stakeholders, employees and other key stakeholders


• Oversee the finance task on a day-to-day basis, ensuring money is banked, invoices are paid promptly, money owed is collected, and clear records are kept


• Support EP specific procurement processes, managing tenders where appropriate, conducting due diligence, benchmarking and evaluating suppliers, negotiating deals and ensuring value for money


• Ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Finance department, delegating tasks to employees where appropriate


• Ensure the Fixed Asset registers are up to date and the appropriate journals posted


• Assist with Internal and External audits


• Prepare, review & submit VAT returns, including advising on correct VAT treatment for transactions


• Prepayments and accrual reconciliations, control account reconciliations, bank reconciliations and accounting for payroll

The Candidate:

The successful Finance Manager will be/have:

• AAT Part Qualified or higher  


• Experience of producing budget monitoring reports


• Good understanding of school accounting practices


• Previous experience of working with school budgets


• Knowledge of the Academy Financial handbook and Charities SORP would be nice


• Experience of being a “trusted advisor” providing financial advice to the Education / Charitable sector


• Strong attention to detail and accuracy


• Able to work in a team environment


• Evidence of outstanding communication skills


• Excellent IT skills


• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks

Desired:

• Further training in Finance, Accountancy and/or ICT


• Experience of preparing and delivering training


• Used PS Financials, SAGE, HCSS, accounts receivable, salary auto-reconciliation, Equipment Register and other financial modules and systems


• Experience of School Finance Committee Meetings or Governing Body meetings


• Experience of working within the financial sector

Benefits:

Whether through continuous professional development, personal and impartial support, or exciting discounts to enjoy with friends and family, they have a package of excellent benefits which are available to all employees, including:

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Support on continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities

Perks - exclusive discounts on a range of products and retailers from cinema tickets, food shopping and holidays

Impartial counselling service in person, by video call or phone as well as a citizen’s advice function for advice and support on personal or professional queries

Free on-site parking

Annual pay progression opportunities

Continuous Service date honoured

They have big ambitions for the future - and therefore want to speak to the right individuals with the right energy and values to take them there.

Please contact for a confidential discussion